“Didn’t sleep.”
“Because?”
“Family bullshit.” His jaw tightened slightly. “Dad’s pissed about... well, everything. Drew’s trying to contain it.”
“You sure that’s all?”
“For now.”
He was carrying too much. I exhaled slowly. “We promised to do this together. Everything. No secrets or bailing.”
His green eyes flicked to mine. “You quoting me?”
“Only when necessary.”
A breath of amusement left him. “Guess I deserve that.”
We reached the front steps, sunlight spilling across the concrete. He brushed his thumb along my waist, just beneath the hem of my shirt.The contact anchored me more than the caffeine.
“You good?” he asked quietly.
“For the most part.” I met his gaze. “Being with you helps.”
“It’s the same for me.”
He leaned in, slow enough that I could have pulled away. I didn’t.
The kiss was gentle. Not for display. Not a statement for others. It was intentional, steady, and so very sexy. His hand tensed slightly at my waist, fingers splaying against my hip, drawing me closer without urgency.
When he pulled back, I murmured, “You taste like caffeine and bad decisions.”
“And you taste worth every one.”
Heat crept into my cheeks. Our laughter stayed low, contained between us. With him, I didn’t feel braced for impact, and the realization startled me more than anything else this morning.
He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Let’s survive today.”
“That’s the plan.”
His fingers threaded through mine as we climbed the steps.
Movement across the quad caught my eye. Elise stood half-shadowed behind a pillar, phone in hand.
I held her gaze.Give us your worst.I wasn’t letting her toy with me anymore.
The coffee warmed my hand, but something colder stirred in my stomach. Edwardo’s plan was unfolding. Whatever he had set in motion with his brother was moving now.
Luke squeezed my hand once, firm and deliberate.
We stepped through the doors.
Classes flew by in a blur. Avery stayed at my side between periods, not hovering, just present. Her fingers brushed mine once in the hallway before she tucked them into the strap of her bag.
At lunch, we claimed our usual table. It wasn’t long until Chase and Luke found us. Theo dropped into the chair beside Luke and dragged a hand through his hair. “If Coach runs suicides again tomorrow, I’m staging a revolt.”
Chase grinned. “You’d die first.”
“Worth it,” Theo muttered.
